Texas Fire Inspection Requirements and Fire Code

By Fire Life and Safety Editorial TeamLast updated: October 19, 2026Review: pending

<p>Texas fire inspection requirements depend mostly on where your building sits, because Texas has no statewide fire code. The State Fire Marshal's Office inspects to NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 (2021 editions), but those standards do not apply where a local government has adopted its own fire ordinances. Check with your city or county fire marshal first.</p>

Code in force in Texas

Fire code in force: No statewide fire code. State Fire Marshal’s Office standards of inspection: NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, 2021 Editions
Based on: NFPA 1 (2021) and NFPA 101 (2021)
Adopting agency: Texas Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshal’s Office
Effective date: 2023-09-01
Licensing body: TDI State Fire Marshal’s Office licensing
License lookup: Company/Licensee Search
Last checked: 2026-10-19

Who can inspect and service systems in Texas

Fire sprinklers: Companies need a Sprinkler Certificate of Registration (General, Underground or Dwelling) and must employ a licensed Responsible Managing Employee. Governed by Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6003 and Texas Administrative Code 34.700. Issuing agency
Fire alarms: Insurance Code Chapter 6002 requires a registered firm with at least one licensed fire alarm technician, residential fire alarm superintendent or fire alarm planning superintendent. Issuing agency
Fire extinguishers: Insurance Code Chapter 6001 covers extinguisher licenses and apprentice permits (Type PL, A, B and K). Issuing agency
Hood cleaning: Confirm with your fire marshal. No state license for hood cleaning was found in the sources read. Issuing agency
Kitchen suppression: The State Fire Marshal regulates planning, certifying, installing and servicing of fixed fire extinguisher systems. Confirm with your fire marshal for the exact license type. Issuing agency

Local fire marshals

Your city or county fire prevention office enforces the code and schedules inspections.

Local amendments to watch

San Antonio has adopted the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments. Source
Austin's Fire Marshal's Office enforces the 2024 International Fire Code and NFPA standards. Source

Texas fire inspection questions

Does Texas have one statewide fire code?

No. Texas sets no single code for all buildings. Cities and counties adopt their own fire ordinances.

What does the State Fire Marshal's Office inspect to?

It uses NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, both in 2021 editions, as its standards of inspection, effective 2023-09-01.

When do the state standards not apply?

They do not apply inside an area where a local government has adopted fire protection ordinances.

Which codes do big Texas cities use?

Austin's office enforces the 2024 International Fire Code, and San Antonio adopted the 2024 IFC with amendments. Houston and Dallas should be checked with their own offices.

What licenses does the state issue for fire protection work?

The State Fire Marshal's Office issues alarm, extinguisher, sprinkler and fireworks licenses. Companies and individuals can be searched in the Company/Licensee Search.

Can a sprinkler company register without a licensed employee?

No. TDI says it cannot register a company without a licensed employee, and it cannot license an individual until a registered company employs them.

Requirements depend on the code edition your state and local fire marshal have adopted. Confirm with your authority having jurisdiction.